KA-BOOM in North Korea

Last week's massive explosion in North Korea has been explained as a mountain that was blown up in the middle of the night to allow for construction of a hydroelectric power plant. Needless to say, there is considerable skepticism about this explanation. Robert Koehler at the Marmot's Hole observes that it just doesn't make a lot of sense but North Korea does not have a reputation for doing things that make sense. That is why the country is a starving, dirt-poor nation. Many feel the explosion was most likely related to an accident at a weapons, chemical, or fuel facility. There's much more at the link.

Interestingly, looking at Japanese media (Japan Times, Mainichi Daily News) in the past week, I've seen not one mention of the North Korean explosion. This seems strange. When loud explosions go off in my neighborhood, I tend to have a few questions and comments. From what I've seen, the Japanese are minding their own business. Maybe I'm not reading the right newspapers.